LeBron James Denies Encouraging Violence Against Police Officers

BY Erika Marie 3.4K Views
Link Copied to Clipboard!
Getty Images / Staff
LeBron James, Alex Villanueva, Compton, Sheriff, Shooting
He clarified his stance and doesn't have any words for the L.A. Country Sheriff.

Following Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputy Alex Villanueva calling him out about his comments regarding police-involved violence, LeBron James has spoken out to defend himself. Earlier this month, two deputies were shot point-blank in an unprovoked altercation that took place in Compton, California. At a press conference, Villanueva specifically told LeBron James that he should match the reward money that was posted to help identify the person responsible for the shooting.

Ethan Miller / Staff / Getty Images

People were confused as to why Villanueva thought it was James's responsibility, and after not responding to the remarks, the Los Angeles Lakers star has acknowledged the comments after his game earlier this week. “Not one time have I ever said let’s act violent toward cops,” the sports icon said. “I just said what’s going on in our community is not OK. And we fear for that, and we fear for our lives. It’s something that we go through every single day as a Black man, a Black woman, and a Black kid and a Black girl, we fear that moment where we’re pulled over.”

When asked if there was anything he wanted to personally say to Villanueva, Lebron James replied, “I have zero response on the sheriff.”

[via]


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

Comments 3
Page was generated in 0.5308780670166